Emollients, also commonly referred to as moisturizers, are products that help to soften skin or to treat skin that has become dry. They work by increasing the ability of the skin to hold water, providing the skin with a layer of oil to prevent water loss, and lubricating the skin.

Many natural ingredients are typically added to emollient products in order to give them their properties. The juice from the aloe vera plant is commonly added to emollients. This plant has long been used to preserve the moisture of the skin and to soothe dryness and other skin problems. The Mayas and the Incas used aloe vera to provide relief from sunburn. Today, it is used in special emollients to help burn victims heal quickly and with as little scarring as possible.

Another ingredient commonly found in emollients is jojoba oil. Like aloe vera, jojoba oil helps to keep the skin moist. Jojoba oil is similar to sebum, an oil that is naturally found in the skin. For this reason, jojoba oil helps keep dry skin moist and suppresses the production of oil in skin that is oily.

Vitamin A is also used in many emollients, because it has been shown to be effective in keeping the skin healthy by increasing the amount of collagen in the skin, which helps keep the skin moist and elastic. Forms of vitamin A commonly used in emollients include retinyl, retinoic acid, palmitate, retinal, tretinoin, and isotretinoin. Vitamin E is another ingredient commonly used in emollients, as are soybean oil and avocado oil. All three of these ingredients provide protection for the skin and help it retain its moisture. Avocado also contains large amounts of vitamin A and potassium.

Vitamin C is also found in many emollients. This vitamin has been proven to help create smoother, firmer skin when applied on a regular basis. In addition, it helps preserve moisture in the skin and prevents the skin from drying out.